Now that the show is well and truly over what will be the lasting impact of this World Cup? Will it be in South Africa which has spent a fortune on hosting the tournment? Probably not. 355,000 unsold tickets, 450,000 unbooked hotel rooms and the problems the host nation have, masked as...

WINNERS Andres Iniesta Scorer of the crucial goal, Iniesta made a mockery of his earlier reluctance to shoot with a thumping finish across the goalkeeper, followed by a moving tribute to Daniel Jarque. For which he was booked. Cesc Fabregas Showed why Arsenal are so keen to keep him and Barca to...

Lastmanback’s World Cup XI, playing in a 4-3-3. Goalkeeper: Diego Benaglio - in a tournament in which no keeper really stood out the one that sticks most in my head is Benaglio. He looked solid, made good saves and despite going home after the group stages did his reputation the world of...

So, it’s all over, Spain have won the World Cup and we can take a few days break from football until pre-season starts. Some thoughts on the final though. Spain were deserving winners of the trophy given the way they’ve played throughout the tournament, although apart from the Villa chance which Heitinga...

A little overdue – this write-up looks at the semi-finals and the pointless yet entertaining third/fourth play-off. WINNERS Diego Forlan A loser in the semis but a winner across the tournament. Almost certainly the single individual who has exerted the greatest influence over his side. Two more great goals take his total...